I'm back in this group again

cara36

My dad lived with Alzheimer’s for years before he passed six years ago, and it was heartbreaking to watch. This community helped me through that time. I recently lost my mom as well—she didn’t have Alzheimer’s, but caregiving and life without my dad took a heavy toll on her in her final years.

Now my best friend, in her mid-50s, has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia after months of testing. We’re all devastated. She’s angry, and so am I. I had hoped this would finally be a year to focus on my own health and move forward, but this news has shaken everything.

I know this disease affects everyone differently, and there have been advancements—but right now, I just want to scream at the world.

annie51

I am so sorry for what you’ve been through and are now going through. Scream all you want! It’s so heartbreaking and to happen to one so young it’s just so unfair. We’re here to listen whenever you need us. Sending hugs and prayers.

BPS

It seems odd and tragic that so many of us have had to experience this terrible disease more than once. My mom (who lived in an apartment we built on to our house until she moved to MC a year before she died) died with dementia 4 years ago and my wife is in stage seven Alzheimer's currently in MC. once was more than enough. In addition I have a 39 year old daughter with mild autism and is bipolar (that as of a year ago moved into an AFH). I told my son that maybe he should not let my granddaughter hang around me because I seem to drive women crazy, and not in a good way.

Russinator

((HUGS))

Jeff H

I still find it baffling that this disease is not more prevalent in the mainstream media or social media! It’s a devastating disease that affects both patients and their caregivers. I suppose it's type-cast as an "old person's disease". We all know, that's not the case!

tboard

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75711/im-back-in-this-group-again

I'll scream with you. I am on my third immediate family member with Alzheimer's.

trottingalong

I helped with my mother in law during her dementia journey. Now my husband. One of my best friends was diagnosed a year ago at the age of 69. I make sure to spend time with her. It can be very overwhelming at times, but we do our best.

dayn2nite2

I'm sorry you're experiencing this again. I know you said you believe "there have been advancements", but please know that this is not true. Nothing can cure it and definitely these new infusions won't either. Just help your friend the best you can, but also do not do it at a cost to yourself. Take care of your own health and life as priority #1. Your friend will need to depend on her own support system to get through the disease, you cannot be her caregiver.